The investment banking industry is undergoing a gradual but impactful transformation, the investment banking arm of one of the country’s biggest lender said in a report.
What was once a highly manual, paper-driven process characterized by chalkboards, floor runners, and physical coupons for interest payments has given way to a fully digital ecosystem.
“Technology has redefined how capital is raised, trades are executed, and information is consumed, placing unprecedented power in the hands of both issuers and investors,” BDO Capital & Investment Corporation said.
BDO Capital, a majority-owned subsidiary of BDO Unibank, Inc., is a full-service investment house offering a wide range of investment banking services, including securities underwriting and trading, loan syndication, financial advisory, private placement of debt and equity, project finance, and direct equity investment.
BDO Capital has received multiple recognitions from various prestigious international and local publications and associations as the Best Investment Bank in the Philippines.
Today, BDO Capital said digital platforms allow individuals to trade and invest with ease, anytime and anywhere, using only their smartphones or laptops.
“This convenience is driven by significant advances in software, data infrastructure, and connectivity, making financial markets more accessible, transparent, and responsive to real-time developments,” BDO Capital said.
At the same time, the explosion of online information from corporate disclosures to financial news and even market speculation has reshaped investor behavior.
“Digitalization has not only democratized access to capital markets but has also heightened the demand for speed, efficiency, and insight. In this fast-changing environment, companies face growing complexity: adapting to new regulations, engaging with digitally savvy investors, and staying competitive in a fintech-driven world,” BDO Capital said.
Investment banks like BDO Capital are helping businesses meet these challenges head-on.
By integrating technology into their sales, distribution, and operations processes, they are expanding market participation and enabling more efficient capital raising.
Whether it’s simplifying bond listings through electronic submission platforms or leveraging digital tools for broader investor outreach, the role of investment banks is evolvingto become not just dealmakers, but digital enablers of growth.
For bond issuances, investment banks have embraced innovations such as the e-Securities Issue Portal (e-SIP), which enables the fully digital submission of corporate bond listing requirements with the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corporation (PDEx).
“This transition has replaced the once paper-heavy, redundant process with a more streamlined and efficient approach,” BDO Capital said.
In the equity space, platforms like PSE Easy now allow Local Small Investors (LSIs) to subscribe to offerings conveniently through digital trading apps, further encouraging broader retail participation.
“Looking ahead, the next frontier lies in developing a centralized digital bond exchange, a platform that would make investing in bonds as seamless as buying stocks, eliminating excessive documentation and unlocking easier access for all investor segments,” BDO Capital said.
Even the public sector is accelerating this momentum. After the launch of Bonds.ph, which enabled online subscriptions to Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs), the Bureau of the Treasury announced plans to issue RTBs in smaller denominations via mobile app. These innovations reflect a broader shift toward accessibility and inclusion in capital markets.
Investment houses, including BDO Capital, are at the forefront of this evolution. By adopting platforms like e-SIP and supporting digital innovation across issuances, BDO Capital is helping issuers connect with today’s technology-driven investors while reinforcing trust and operational efficiency—core pillars in the modern investment landscape.
“Digitalization continues to reshape the Philippine dealmaking landscape, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and now deeply embedded in how businesses operate and grow,” BDO Capital said.
The rise of local venture capital firms, such as Gentree Fund is poised to accelerate the adoption of technology across both consumer markets and the investment banking sector.
It has actively backed early-stage tech venturesparticularly in e-commerce and digital infrastructure, laying the groundwork for the next wave of mergers, acquisitions, and potential public listings.
While many of these startups remain in their growth phases, their scaling trajectory suggests that more tech-enabled companies will soon be primed for capital market participation.
“As technology continues to disrupt financial services from AI-powered deal modeling to fintech-driven payments, companies need advisors who can bridge traditional finance with the digital economy. BDO Capital, for example, has consistently supported clients exploring acquisitions or partnerships in the tech space, demonstrating a strong grasp of both the investor landscape and the evolving digital ecosystem,” BDO Capital said.
Investment banks that understand these dynamics are uniquely positioned to advise companies on scaling, consolidating, or tapping into public markets.
“With a deep market insight anddigital capability, BDO Capital is well-positioned toguide businesses in seizing these opportunities. The bank also sees Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a game changer—streamlining internal workflows and enabling its bankers to focus more on strategy and value creation for clients,” BDO Capital added.
